Pens will see if Staal deal really works

Well, Shero and the Penguins are about to find out if they can win one without him.

They’ve certainly shown they can win in the regular season without the former franchise cornerstone. However, regular-season success isn’t going to define the 2013 Penguins. Been there, done that … failed to get past the second round each of the last three years.

A strong showing over his first 48 games in Pittsburgh isn’t going to define Brandon Sutter, either.

Comparisons between Staal and Sutter were inevitable since the draft-day blockbuster between the Penguins and Hurricanes last June: familial backgrounds in both hockey and farming, former first-round picks and there’s literally an inch difference. Staal stands 6-foot-4 to Sutter’s 6-3.

In terms of postseason experience, however, the two are miles apart.

The Penguins reached the postseason in each of Staal’s first six seasons. Teamed with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy, Staal centered a unit that was universally accepted as the finest third line in the league. In 73 playoff games, he amassed 36 points, good for 12th all-time in franchise history. Somewhat fittingly, only Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin -- the two centers ahead of him on the depth chart and in management’s eyes -- scored more. However, none elevated his game more in bigger moments than Staal. Without him, it’s highly suspect whether the Penguins could have won the Cup in 2009.

Compare that to Sutter, whose next playoff game will be his first.

In 48 regular-season games in Pittsburgh, Sutter has admirably filled the void as Staal’s replacement on a line with Cooke and, of late, Brenden Morrow. Likewise, he’s a regular on the penalty kill and has won 50.5 percent of his faceoffs. And, in terms of goals, Sutter actually outpaced Staal 11-10 this season.

Though to be fair, Sutter is playing on one of the -- if not the -- best team in the NHL. Staal may have received his wish to play alongside his older brother, but he and the Hurricanes won’t be skating in the playoffs.

Ah, the playoffs.

At this time of year, every team has at least two good lines. The third liners and special teams can -- and often does -- make the difference.